THE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury In the course of human history, there’ve rarely been days like current ones when bottom lines on price tags have been so convoluted, confusing, confounding and–in some cases–perhaps even conspiratorial. There may be a few more “con” words that apply, but these seem adequate to describe runaway prices, some of which are indeed “con
Read moreEditor’s Note: Editor’s Note: McKenzie Flowers Fergus, a McMurry University graduate, is actively engaged in various human rights, anti-discrimination, sustainable development, and peace-building organizations. After graduating with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Yale University, she was awarded a Russell Berrie Fellowship in a program that collaborates globally with interfaith institutions and universities to promote interreligious dialogue. She also received
Read moreBy NANCY PATRICK I try to write an article every other week for Spirit of Abilene. I usually write reflective essays, but over the weekend I wrote something new. Rather than an essay, I wrote a lengthy list of questions regarding many subjects that interest me. After each question, I wrote a short response expressing my own opinions and thoughts
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By JIM NICHOLS Data from the U.S. Census Bureau recently made a point worth noting. In 2011, 14.3 percent of adults 25 and up had a bachelor’s degree. In 2021, 23.5 percent did. There were parallels of increase in graduate degrees past the bachelor’s degree. As a person with an academic background, I consider this good news. For better or
Read moreEditor’s Note: This is the third installment of articles about missionaries Russell and Darlene Deibler. Click here to read the first article, “Evidence Not Seen” Click here to read the second, “Beautiful Feet” By DANNY MINTON By March of 1939, Russell Deibler’s feet had healed, and plans began for a return trip to the Wissel Lakes. Arrangements with a new
Read moreMEET CLAY THOMASExecutive director, Abilene Hope Haven, Inc., Nov. 1, 2021-present2018-2021 – Executive director at Girls’ Haven, Inc. in Beaumont2015-2018 – Executive director at Arrow Child & Family Ministries in Amarillo2014-2015 – Superintendent at Brazos County Juvenile Services in Bryan/College Station2010-2014 – Vice president at Amarillo Children’s Home2007-2010 – Deputy superintendent at Randall County Juvenile Services in Amarillo, TexasFamily: Married
Read moreThe name “Stremmel” is synonymous with feeding ministries in Abilene. Terry is the longtime chair of the board of Breakfast on Beech Street, which began serving a hot breakfast at First Christian Church in 1996. Both Terry and Brenda Stremmel are longtime volunteers with Meals on Wheels Plus, and both were honored as Volunteers of the Month for March. “Everyone
Read moreTHE IDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury My aged Uncle Mort is accustomed to numerous cat calls–as well as some from yelping dogs–when he expresses opinions that fly in the face of contrary views. He lined up on the women’s side when their liberation movement started almost a half-century ago. During a mock referendum in the 1960s, Mort joined the bunch
Read moreBillie Martin, who had longtime, deep ties to Hardin-Simmons University, died March 15. A family graveside was scheduled for Saturday, March 26, at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories, followed by a Celebration of Life in Elliott-Hamil Funeral Homes’ Chapel of Faith 5701 Hwy. 277 S. with Pastor Bill Spencer officiating. The following obituary is from the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home website: Billie
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